​Irwin Altman Middle School 172

News & Announcements

• Just a Friendly Reminder...

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal, Dr. DeSimone, and in collaboration with New York State Assembly Member David Weprin:

   

  Just a Friendly Reminder...

   

  MS 172 is having a Holiday Toy Drive! Let's spread holiday cheer and make a difference in our community!

  All toys and gifts will be donated to children in need. Donations are due today, December 18th.

  Please make sure to bring in NEW and UNWRAPPED toys. The donation box is in the lobby.

  All donations will be collected during school hours.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Checking Your Child’s Progress

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal, Dr. DeSimone:

   

  REMINDER... 

  Hello MS 172 Families,

   

  We are now at the midpoint of the 2nd marking period, and we want to ensure that all families have the information needed to support their child’s academic progress.

  Checking Your Child’s Progress
  Teachers are updating all grades and assignments in Google Classroom by Friday, December 12th. We encourage you to log in and review your child’s progress. This is the best way to stay informed about current grades, completed work, and any areas where your child may need support.

  Progress Reports for At-Risk Students
  In addition to Google Classroom updates, we will be providing a paper progress report for students who are currently at risk of failing one or more classes.

  Here is what you can expect:

  • Only families of students who are at risk of failing will receive a paper progress report.
  • Copies of the completed reports will be placed in sealed envelopes and sent home with students on Thursday, December 18th.
  • Families are asked to review the report, sign it, and return it by Tuesday, December 23rd.
  • We hope this early notification allows students to complete any missing work over the Winter Break.

  If you have specific questions about your child’s grades, please reach out directly to the individual teachers. Teacher email addresses can be found on our school website at the following link: https://www.ms172.org/directory/faculty.

  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

  Thank you for your continued support!

  Dr. Paul J. DeSimone

  Principal

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• 6th Grade Broadway performance at no cost through the 2025–2026

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 6th Grade Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal Dr. DeSimone and our 6th Grade AP Mr. Nash:

   

  Dear 6th Grade Families,

  Irwin Altman Middle School 172 is excited to offer our 6th grade students the opportunity to attend a Broadway performance at no cost through the 2025–2026 Principal Fellowship with the NYC Public Schools Arts Office.

  We will be seeing Buena Vista Social Club, a hit Broadway musical that tells the story behind the iconic Grammy-winning album through the lives of its legendary Cuban musicians.

  The show blends 1950s Havana with the 1990s recording sessions and features incredible live Afro-Cuban music, dance, and a tale of resilience and second chances.

  Please see attached for further details.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Holiday Bake Sale and Boutique - Friday, December 19th & December 22nd During Lunch

  On Behalf of our PTA:

   

  Irwin Altman Middle School 172 PTA presents The Holiday Bake Sale and Boutique, Friday, December 19th and Monday December 22nd, during lunch.

  Donation of baked goods and parent volunteers needed. Interested in volunteering? Email the PTA at pta.ms172@gmail.com

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• PTA Vitual Meeting December 22, 2025

  On Behalf of our PTA:

   

  Next Monday, December 22nd is our PTA meeting. This month's meeting will be virtual. The PTA will be discussing January happenings including January Bake Sale.

  Please log onto the link below at 7pm to join our meeting.

  See you Next Monday!

  https://nycdoe.zoom.us/j/96113388970?pwd=6dAa3QraCmY4HvBVUxSH8oywB7S8Hr.1&from=addon#success

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Italy Trip Come - Learn about this Incredible Opportunity (and get to know the teacher leading your students abroad!).

  On Behalf of our 7th Grade Assistant Principal, Ms. Soto:

   

  Dear MS 172 Families,

   

  I am following up on my previous email about the informational meeting for the Italy trip. I am excited to see how much interest there is in this trip already!

  
  See the meeting details and register for the meeting here: https://bit.ly/4oYXtWb 

   

  As a reminder for those with questions about this opportunity: all questions will be answered at the meeting. Registration for the meeting is mandatory, so do not wait.

   

  Looking forward to seeing you all there!

   

  Thank you,

   

  Ms. Soto

  7^th Grade Assistant Principal

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Spaces Available in Our TAG After School Program 2:20-3:20

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of of our 8th Grade Assistant Principal, Ms. Devine:

   

  Dear M.S. 172 Families, 

   

  Our TAG programs began this week.  As of today, we have space in the programs below. 

  If you would like to join, please see the attached catalog for more information. The Google Form is not accepting responses anymore. 

  However, you can email Ms. Devine at kdevine2@schools.nyc.gov with your child's first name, last name class, and the program you are interested in.  

  Space will be filled on a first come first serve basis. 

  The TAG fee will be waived if you are signing up for a second TAG program. 

   

  Grizzly Gazette School Newspaper	Tuesday
  Togetherhood: Digital Movie Making	Wednesday
  Digital Photography	Wednesday
  Reelworks: Filmmaking Basics	Tuesday
  Togetherhood: Art Club	Thursday
  Lacrosse	Friday
  Written Out Loud	Thursday
  Yearbook	Tuesday
  Science/STEM	Friday
  Dance Team	Wednesday
  Lego Club	Thursday

   

   

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Winter Arts Festival, Thursday, December 18th. Doors open at 6:30pm

  On Behalf of our GS Teachers:

   

  MS 172 invites you to our Winter Arts Festival, Thursday, December 18th. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $5 per person in advance, $10 at the door.

  Come Celebrate our Students! Join Us For a Wonderful Evening of Art & Music.

  Please see attached for additional ticket information.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• ***********High School Applications, December 3rd *****************

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 8th Grade Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Guidance Counselors:

  High school applications are December 3rd, on your MySchools account.

  Tomorrow is the last day you can submit or make any changes to your application.

  If you have any questions, please contact your child’s guidance counselor.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Join us virtually to learn about the enrichment programs we offer for students interested in careers in healthcare.

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 8th Grade Families,

   

  On Behalf of The PTA:

   

  An opportunity from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University about opportunities for Middle and High School students interested in careers in Healthcare.

  We are pleased to announce our health awareness series 'Health Hacks: 5 Weeks to level up'! Health Hacks is a 5-week program for students in grades 8-12, tailored around education on prevalent health issues. Each week students enjoy vibrant, engaging, virtual sessions led by current medical students. This is an amazing opportunity for students interested in health careers. Parents and Educators are welcome!

  Sessions are held every Thursday from January 8, 2026- February 5, 2026 via zoom at 5pm.

  Application Deadline: 11:59PM on Sunday January 4^th, 2026

   

  Health Hacks application link: https://qualtrics.downstate.edu/jfe/form/SV_bj6SnuFj9xDFZ3g

   

   

  Join us virtually to learn about the enrichment programs we offer for students interested in careers in healthcare. The information will be the same in both sessions.

   

  Registration is required to attend the information session. You can find the link in the attached flyer for dissemination to your network of students and parents.

   

  Session 1 Tuesday, December 9^th Registration Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sYVVfdXQRTeoqTTOoccExQ

   

  Session 2 Wednesday, December 17^th Registration Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Kbtj7Vs6Rf6kG_HFKmRzYA

   

  Link to our website: https://www.downstate.edu/about/our-administration/office-for-institutional-equity/high-school-students/index.html  

   

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School

  MS172Q